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Clare Smith

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Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

Overview

Totnes Barn Rental Photos and Description

2 BEDROOMS, WETROOM, BATHROOM, OPEN PLAN LIVING/DINING/KITCHEN AREA

Converted in 2011 to an exceptionally high standard in a contemporary fashion but retaining the character of a traditional barn complete with lots of beams. The furnishings are stylish, yet homely and comfortable with the pocket sprung beds having Egyptian cotton bed linen & non-allergenic bedding.

The Barn is extremely light and airy, with plenty of natural daylight flooding in through generous glazing panels in the roof, so even on a dull day the Barn still retains its light.

There are two bedrooms, a bathroom and open plan living/dining/kitchen area on the first floor with far reaching views across the Harbourne river valley. There is a ground floor with ample storage, washing/drying facilities and wetroom. An underfloor heating system keeps it cosy when needed. We also have Wi-fi.

There are two 5' beds, one of which may be split into two singles [2 x 2.5'] with prior notice.

There is also a fully equipped kitchen with microwave, oven, ceramic hob, dishwasher and integral fridge/freezer. All cutlery, crockery, utensils etc provided.

Private, enclosed south-facing patio area with garden furniture & barbecue for al fresco eating. Also perfect for stargazing from as there is no light pollution. Picnic ware is also provided.

There is parking for 2+ cars.

There are numerous National Trust properties nearby, including Greenway, Agatha Christie's holiday home; Cotehele near Saltash; Llanhydrock, near Bodmin; Coleton Fishacre [originally the home of the D'Oyly Carte opera family]; Castle Drogo [designed by Lutyens] the last castle to be built in England;

There are many beautiful beaches too and of course Dartmoor National Park with the Dartmoor ponies.

The surrounding area is well served by some excellent restaurants catering for all tastes.

Approximately 30 and 23 miles away lie the cities of historic Exeter and naval port of Plymouth respectively, with a large range of shops, both high street favourites and more interesting, independent shops. Exeter Cathedral is one of many places well worth a visit and the surrounding Cathdedral Green contains many historic buildings. You can also visit Exeter Underground Tunnels which date from the14th century. These medieval passages beneath Exeter High Street are a unique ancient monument: no similar system of passages can be explored by the public elsewhere in Britain and they are quite fascinating!

In Plymouth, one of many interesting places to see are the Mayflower Steps, from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to America. Much of Plymouth was rebuilt after World War II but the remains of Charles Church, on a busy roundabout, remain. It was destroyed by incendiary devices in March 1941 and now looks at odds with its more contemporary surroundings!

Dartington Hall Estate is well worth a visit. In 1925, Dorothy and Leonard Elmhirst purchased the neglected 14th century Dartington estate. The Elmhirsts were pioneers, inspired by many innovative thinkers of the time and Dorothy had inherited considerable wealth, which she devoted to founding the Dartington Hall Trust. Dartington rapidly became a magnet for artists, architects, writers, philosophers and musicians from around the world, creating an exceptional centre of creative activity.

It is also the base for the “Ways with Words” literary festival held in July each year. It is a festival of words and ideas and is a vibrant and joyful 10-day event, a chance for those who read books to meet those who write them. The setting is glorious, the atmosphere is invigorating. People come together in spectacular surroundings to share the pleasure and power of language and ideas. The warmth and energy of this lively gathering make it a memorable occasion.

There is a beautiful garden with wonderful herbaceous borders and a tilt yard where jousting took place. In spring, there are camellias, magnolias, azaleas and numerous colourful bulbs. Also, the witch hazel walk is a sight to behold, filling the air with perfume and being under-planted with pretty blue chinodoxas.

The Great Hall is a magnificent medieval building with huge fireplaces and vast beamed ceilings. There is a very good pub/restaurant there too, the White Hart, with a wonderful ambience and excellent food.

There is also a unique cinema there “The Barn” and the Roundhouse Cafe, serving home-made cakes.

One of the best and nearest beaches is the sheltered, gently sloping, Blue Flag status Blackpool Sands, approximately 9 miles away. There is a beach shop, loos and wonderful award-winning cafe, The Venus, which serves excellent organic, local food and has glorious views too. One could almost believe one was in the Mediterranean when observing the pine trees against the blue skies!

There are several more around the Torquay area and a little further away [approx. 13 miles] is Bantham Beach, a vast expanse of fine golden sand which overlooks Burgh Island with its famous Art Deco hotel. The island and hotel were used in the filming of Agatha Christie's Evil Under the Sun featuring Peter Ustinov who played Hercule Poirot, Maggie Smith and James Mason. Also on the island is the Pilchard Inn, a rustic and charming 14thC inn, perfect for refreshments. You can walk across to the island when the tide is out, or take the unique sea tractor!

Over the years Torbay, Totnes and Dartmouth have all been used as featured locations in the films of Rosamund Pilcher's books, which have been screened on one of Germany's main state TV channels, ZDF,

For wildlife and history enthusiasts, the Slapton and Torcross areas are worth a visit too. In the early hours of 28th April 1944 8 Landing Ship Tanks full of American servicemen were just off the coast of Devon. Their purpose to take part in Operation Tiger, the rehearsals for the D-Day landings in Normandy. A 32-ton Sherman tank lost in the practice landings was later recovered from the sea bed and is now displayed at Slapton Sands in memory of the 946 American servicemen who tragically lost their lives.Ken Small, who had struggled to raise the tank, received a personally signed letter of appreciation from Ronald Regan!

Slapton Ley is the largest natural lake in south-west England. Although it is only separated from the sea by a narrow shingle bar, it is entirely freshwater.The lake is surrounded by reedbeds, marshes and woodland habitats.You can see many wildflowers on the shingle ridge during the summer including Yellow Horned Poppy and Vipers Bugloss. The nature reserve is the only place in Britain where you can find Strapwort on the lake shore.

You can hear and occasionally see Cetti's warbler all year round. Slapton Ley is an important staging post for wintering and passage birds including Swallows. If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of Badgers, Otters, Dormice and Bats.

In complete contrast to the seascapes is the rugged landscape and wild outdoors of the Dartmoor National Park, with miles of open moorland with wild ponies grazing. You can visit many places including Widecombe-in-the-Moor, upon which the tale of Uncle Tom Cobley is based.

The following places of interest are a further very small selection and are all within a short distance of East Leigh:

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Guestbook comments from the owner

This well appointed and comfortably furnished barn conversion is an ideal spot for couples and small families and far exceeded my expectations. It is close to Totnes yet is located in a quiet, secluded and picturesque area with broad sweeping views of the surrounding countryside.

My visit was during a dark and cold British winter, and yet my stay here was bright and warm. It is a new conversion and clearly great care has been taken to provide furnishings and kitchen equipment of the highest quality, along with a modern TV/DVD system and wifi. Everything you could need for self-catering is provided. The linens and towels provided were also of very high quality.

I would highly recommend this place - nobody renting this barn would be disappointed!

Reviews

5

based on 37 traveler reviews

Lovely property

5
of 5

This is a top quality and tastefully renovated barn just outside a small village near Totnes. We have been to many holiday homes and this is definitely the best we have come across in this area. It was spotlessly clean and all fittings were of a very high quality. The hosts were friendly and welcoming but never intrusive. We would recommend this property and would go back if in the area.

Excellent Location - Superb Quality Accommodation

5
of 5

We very much enjoyed to stay at this stunning location over Christmas and New Year. The description on the web site was 100% accurate, the barn was clean and in an excellent condition. We were very friendly welcomed by our hosts who live in a separate building on the property, and we very much enjoyed the quiet Winter Devon countryside. The location is ideal for day trips to the attractions and beaches in the area.

Outstanding Devon Accommodation

5
of 5

The beautifully restored barn provided the perfect place to stay for our long weekend break. Set in a stunning location with breathtaking views and with high spec facilities, this accommodation is a perfect base to explore Devon. The owners Clare and Den made us feel very welcome,The Church House pub in Harberton was warm, welcoming and served delicious food. We would have no hesitation in recommending East Leigh Barn as a wonderful place to stay.

Eastleigh Barn, Totnes

5
of 5

Wonderful location, wonderful views, wonderful hosts. The barn is beautifully renovated and decorated and very well equipped. The kitchen is well appointed and easy to use as are the bathrooms. Everything (and more) that you may need is there, Clare and Dennis have obviously worked hard to achieve a lovely haven to escape to and have thought of everything to help you to relax and enjoy your break. We look forward to returning as does our daughter Agatha, who thinks it's her second home. We would highly recommend this property and have already talked needlessly to our family and friends about its knowledgeable hosts and relaxing environment.

East Leigh Barn is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty and is close to the historic market town of Totnes. It is located one mile from the village of Harberton in the South Hams district of South Devon and is within easy driving distance of both the natural beauty of Dartmoor National Park and the stunning South coast.

On some nights, the distant glow of Start Point lighthouse [over 15 miles away] can be glimpsed across the sky.

It has been recently converted to a very high standard, with high quality fixtures/fittings, from a 19thC building in a courtyard setting which comprises the original 17thC Grade II listed farmhouse, together with a further barn. It is placed a perfect mid distance twixt moor and sea and enjoys an enviable, elevated position with far-reaching, south-facing views over and beyond the Harbourne Valley. The view from the Barn extends across the verdant Harbourne river valley, transporting you back to a gentler pace of life, as there is virtually no visible reference to the 21st century.

The hamlet of East Leigh is steeped in history and was even mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086.

In the pretty nearby village of Harberton, you will find the 13thC Church House Inn, which is perfect for a cosy supper or quick drink. There is also a 13thC church, St Andrews, containing a Norman font, 15thC rood screen and octagonal 15thC pulpit.

There are some lovely walks which may be undertaken from the property. The South Devon coastal path has some of the most picturesque and spectacular views. In this region of South Devon, there are also some lovely quaint towns and villages, with many thatched cottages and narrow winding lanes.

Totnes is a picturesque Elizabethan town, with many interesting and varied shops to explore, quaint and characterful tea rooms, a museum, galleries etc. Totnes Castle is one of the best preserved examples of a Norman motte and bailey castle in England. The surviving stone keep and curtain wall date from around the 14th century. You can take trips down the River Dart from Totnes and there is a vibrant market on a Friday in the town square with a wide variety of stalls. On Tuesdays in season, there is also the unique Elizabethan market, where stallholders don their Elizabethan finery!

Additional information about rental rates

NB: There is the possibility of negotiating the changeover day if required and depending upon availability.

All bed linen and towels are provided, however, please bring your own beach towels

E & O E
A 30% deposit is required to hold a booking with the balance due 6 weeks before arrival.
For bookings arriving within 6 weeks, payment must be made in full. If payment is not received by this deadline, we reserve the right to re-let the accommodation & the deposit may be forfeited. If cancellation is made within the 6 weeks & we can’t re-let the Barn, the deposit may be forfeited if we can't relet

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (GBP) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Deep, comfortable pocket sprung mattresses on divan bases in each bedroom with non-allergenic duvets and Egyptian cotton bedding, with carpeted floors and built in wardrobes [wooden hangers provided] with chests of drawers.
Main bedroom overlooks the Harbourne Valley and other bedroom overlooks courtyard.
Both bedrooms have a wealth of beamed high ceilings and ample lighting.

Entertainment:

Books

Books for Adults

DVD Player

Games

MP3 Dock

Radio

Satellite / Cable

Stereo

Television

VCR

Outside:

Barbecue

Outdoor Furniture

Outdoor Grill

Patio

4 garden chairs

Suitability:

Long-term Renters Welcome

Low Allergen Environment

children welcome

non smoking only ...

pets not allowed

unsuitable for elderly or infirm

wheelchair inaccessible

Attractions:

churches

cinemas

library

live theater

marina

museums

playground

recreation center

restaurants

ruins

theme parks

winery tours

zoo

Leisure Activities:

beachcombing

bird watching

horseback riding

scenic drives

sight seeing

walking

Local Services & Businesses:

ATM/bank

fitness center

groceries

hospital

massage therapist

medical services

Sports & Adventure Activities:

cycling

deepsea fishing

fishing

freshwater fishing

golf

hiking

jet skiing

mountain biking

rafting

sailing

skiing

snorkeling

sound/bay fishing

spelunking

surfing

swimming

tennis

water skiing

whitewater rafting

wind-surfing

Notes:

We have been awarded a Four Star grade with Gold Award for our accommodation by Visit England.
Please note accommodation is on first floor, so younger children will obviously need supervision in this respect.
There is an iPod dock available not a stereo system.
Long term rental enquiries welcome in low season.